Flu Facts

What is the flu?

The flu (short for "influenza") is an illness caused by viruses. Flu viruses can infect a person's nose, throat, and lungs.

When is flu season?

In New England, flu season usually begins in December and lasts through March.

How is seasonal flu different from pandemic flu?

A pandemic occurs when an illness becomes widespread because it is easily passed from one human to another. In the past 100 years, there have been three flu pandemics. A pandemic virus strain is likely to affect more people because humans have not previously been exposed to this particular virus.

Is flu dangerous?

Flu can be a serious illness. Every year, an average of 23,000 people living in the United States die from flu-related complications.

Anyone can get the flu, but some people can become very sick. According to the CDC, people at highest risk for becoming very sick from the flu include:

Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2.

Adults age 65 and older.

Pregnant women.

People with certain medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or chronic lung disease.

How is flu spread?

Flu viruses live in the nose and throat of an infected person. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, flu viruses are spread into the air. People nearby can breathe in the viruses and become sick. An infected person can spread the flu a day before symptoms appear and can remain contagious for up to a week later. A child with flu can be contagious longer than a week.

What are flu symptoms?

Flu symptoms appear 1 to 5 days after exposure, and may include:

Fever (102° to 104°), lasting 3 to 5 days

Chills

Headaches

Sore throat

Severe muscle aches

Tiredness, which can be extreme and can last two weeks or more

Dry cough

Runny or stuffy nose

Serious complications from flu include dehydration, pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections. Flu infection can also make chronic health problems worse.

Who should get vaccinated?

Anyone who wants to reduce their risk of getting the flu should get vaccinated. However, during flu seasons when vaccine supplies are limited or delayed, priority should be given to people at high risk for becoming very sick from the flu and their caregivers.

If you get a flu shot can you still get the flu?

The flu shot is 70% to 90% effective in preventing flu or at least reducing symptoms. It usually takes two weeks after the shot to develop maximum protection, which then gradually wears off. The flu shot does not cause the flu.

What should I do if I get the flu?

For more information about how to care for someone with the flu and when to seek medical attention, see the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Flu: What You Can Do–Caring for People at Home booklet, which is available in many languages.